Whiz Kids: Maria Passarelli and Deana Davoudiasl

Four years of challenging classes and rigorous course work truly paid off for South Side High School seniors Maria Passarelli and Deana Davoudiasl, who were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of their graduating class last month.

As the school year nears its end, the soon-to-be graduates are preparing to deliver their speeches during graduation on June 24.

“I feel so honored to be named valedictorian, but what I'm really looking forward to is the opportunity to speak to my class at our graduation,” said Passarelli, who received the news directly from SSHS Principal Carol Burris during class. “Dr. Burris let me call my parents to tell them and then had me wait in her office as she announced the news to the rest of the school.”

Davoudiasl shares Passarelli’s excitement about delivering her speech to classmates on graduation day. “Graduation is a real milestone in life,” she explained. “I just feel so privileged to be able to say thanks to all the teachers, administrators, counselors, secretaries and my fellow classmates who have made my years at South Side so memorable.”

Burris said that SSHS’s valedictorian and salutatorian are chosen based on cumulative grade point averages. The valedictorian is the student with the highest average in his or her class, and the salutatorian is the student with the second-highest average.

“Maria and Deana are both dedicated students who are kind and caring young women,” Burris said. “They are leaders of the highest character and I'm very proud to be their principal.”

Next fall, both Passarelli and Davoudiasl will attend Ivy League universities. Passarelli plans to matriculate at Yale University — her top choice — where she will pursue a science-related major. Davoudiasl will choose between Princeton University and Georgetown University. Though she has not yet decided on a major, Davoudiasl said, “I can't wait to explore at either place.”